Mistletoe and Mayhem - Cheryl Bolen Page 0,238

built a dear friendship with her cousin. She never would have been staying at Davensworth Cottage on a stormy night when Julius, her one true love, arrived on the doorstep.

She cocked her head, studying him. Merrick didn’t require punishment for justice to be served. It came in the form of her receiving what she deserved. Her life was better, richer, as a result of his betrayal.

She dropped her arms at her sides. “The truth is I am apathetic towards you.”

“You are lashing out. I understand; you are still hurt. I am sorry for the injury I caused.”

To believe any woman would nurse a wounded heart all this time was ludicrous and a testament to the scoundrel’s arrogance. “I’ll try to bear the pain,” she drawled.

He failed to recognize the sarcasm. “Perhaps it will help to hear that I did not set out to mislead you. I wanted to marry you, Elisabeth. I loved you.”

She sighed and glanced toward the exit. If she walked around him, would he follow her into the corridor? His gaze darted toward the doorway as if he read her mind.

“It was your father’s fault,” he blurted. “He called the day we were leaving for Gretna Green. He threatened to withhold your dowry and ruin me if I insisted on pursuing you.”

This, she could believe. “Are you implying you loved my assets and not me?”

“No! You dishonor me with your feckless accusation.” Once, she’d thought it adorable the way the ball at the end of his nose turned scarlet whenever he was upset. Now, she felt nothing but mild interest in the biology behind his red snout.

“I withdraw my accusation, my lord. May I go?”

“If anything, I loved you too much,” he snipped. “How could I damn you to a life of poverty?”

A snort proceeded her laughter. She covered her mouth, but it was too late.

“I am telling the truth.” Merrick threw his hands in the air for emphasis, as if strength of emotion verified his claim. “What choice did I have? I was third in line to inherit my uncle’s title. If I could predict the future, I would have stood my ground with your father. I set aside my own wants and desires to ensure your happiness.”

“It sounds like I should thank you.”

His bluster died a quick death. He blinked several times as if trying to decipher her sincerity. “Yes, well, you are welcome. One must practice gallantry to be deemed a gentleman.”

“Indeed.” She slanted her head for one last assessing glance. What had she ever found appealing about him? He was a shallow, arrogant, and petty man. She was ashamed to have ever believed Julius was anything like him.

“Very good then.” She skirted around him. “I will be off.”

“Elisabeth, if I may ask a favor.”

She owed him nothing, but curiosity got the better of her.

“Since you are a friend of the family,” he said, “Sally wonders if you would speak with Lord Treyhurst about her sister, Miss Mary Chambers-Wallace. Perhaps you could recommend her to him? Mary is a lady of quality with a sweet disposition. Invite her to tea and you will see for yourself.”

Finally, the motive for his faux apology made sense. Merrick was henpecked. If his sister-in-law was anything like Lady Aberglen, Julius’s brother should run in the opposite direction.

“Lord Treyhurst does not require my advice on marriage,” she said. “Lord and Lady Seabrook will provide all the guidance he needs to choose the perfect bride.”

“Wise.” Merrick tapped a finger against his temple and winked as if they shared a secret. “I will suggest Sally cozy up to the marchioness.”

“You do that.” Bess swept from the room and paused. Now, which direction led to Julius? She gathered her bearings and went left.

As she neared the ballroom, Julius shot into the corridor and came up short. He exhaled; the worry lines between his brows disappeared. “I’ve been looking everywhere for you. I thought I’d lost you.”

Heavens. She couldn’t adore him more. Flashing a bright smile meant only for him, she linked their arms. “You found me.”

A gong sounded from the ballroom.

“It is time for supper,” Julius said. “Do you need another moment?”

“Right now, this moment. It’s perfect.” She leaned her head against his shoulder as they strolled toward their place in line for the procession.

A gentleman pulled Julius aside to ask a question. Bess retreated to a few feet away while they discussed horses. She loved how animated Julius became when he spoke about a topic he found stimulating. He noticed she